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Real Madrid Defender Raul Albiol Says Barcelona Can Cope With Lionel Messi Injury

He says he is not pleased that the Argentinian is injured...

Nov 23, 2009 2:30:16 AM

Spain and Real Madrid defender Raul Albiol signs a five year deal with Los Merengues

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Spain and Real Madrid defender Raul Albiol signs a five year deal with Los Merengues

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Real Madrid centre half Raul Albiol believes that Barcelona can cope with the absence of Lionel Messi if the Argentinian forward is ruled out El Clasico next weekend.

Messi had to withdraw from the draw with Athletic Bilbao at San Mames due to a groin strain, which has reportedly ruled him out of the Inter clash on Tuesday ,and could rule him out of Sunday's game at Camp Nou. Although Albiol admits that his absence would be an advantage for Los Merengues, he says he is not happy to see the Argentine star injured.

"I'm not happy about the injury of any player, even if we can benefit by him [Messi] being out. He is a fundamental player for Barcelona, one of the best in the world, but they have other players who can replace him," he declared at a press conference before adding that Messi, like Cristiano Ronaldo are players who can change games and as a result Messi's absence would be a blow to Barca.

"They are different players who can win games on their own so if he [Messi] doesn't recover in time it will be a serious blow."

Paul Madden, Goal.com

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